Minister rebukes admin over public woes

Owing to the administration’s indifference, rampant profiteering and availability of substandard items at market and Ramazan bazaars have put the people in miserable condition.

The profiteers welcomed the Holy Month of Ramazan with fleecing the customers. Meanwhile, the role of Price Control Committee and magistrates is seen nowhere. The magistrates remain in their offices and do not check overcharging giving implied permission to the vendor for fleecing the customers. Substandard fruit and vegetables were being sold at Rs30 to Rs40 more than their officially fixed rates while only standard items were unavailable there.

On the other side, a provincial minister reprimanded the administration over poor arrangements for Ramazan Bazaar. Minister for Cooperatives Malik Iqbal Channar visited the bazaar in Bahawalnagar and found poor arrangements put in place. He took serious note of substandard items displayed there for sale.

He also resented the absence of CCTV cameras and medical facilities. He expressed his dissatisfaction over the poor sanitation conditions. He said that the chief minister of Punjab envisaged delivery of relief in its true spirit to the masses rather to make cosmetic and verbal measures. He directed the administration to ensure the provision of standard items at subsidised rates. He also warned the administration that negligence in this regard would not be tolerated.